NEWCASTLE United host Arsenal tomorrow in one of the big English Premier League clashes and the managers of both sides are cautious but optimistic.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his Newcastle United counterpart Eddie Howe ahead of the fixture but sounded confident of victory.
The Gunners are coming off a deflating 3-1 defeat to West Ham in the Carabao Cup in midweek, while Newcastle United eased past a poor Manchester United side 3-0 at Old Trafford.
“It’s one of the toughest places to go and win. We have done that before and it’s nothing new to us,” Arteta said during his pre-match press conference today.
On Howe, the Spaniard said: “Huge credit to him. He has transformed the club, environment and atmosphere. I give huge compliments to him for the job he has done.
“The way his team plays and the environment he’s created is great. He’s had a lot of support and now they are big contenders.”
Arteta claimed that his players have put the Cup defeat behind them and are looking forward to the trip to St James’ Park.
“It always takes a few days to get over a defeat like that but now we focus on Newcastle. I don’t think the scoreline reflects the performance but we move on,” he explained.
“You have to be at it and if you take your foot off the gas against any opponent at this level, you get punished.
“We dropped in one phase in the second half and we need to find a different way to recover to keep momentum. The way we played in the second half was not good enough.”
Howe admitted that Arsenal, who finished second last season despite being on top of the table for months, would be tough to beat.
The Englishman is however backing his side to get a result after their second string utterly dominated Manchester United at Old Trafford.
“Arsenal last year, it speaks for itself what they achieved,” Howe said during his own pre-match press conference shortly after Arteta’s.
“I think they have moved on from last year, mentally moved on and stepped it up. They are unbeaten, it is a really big test of our credentials.
“We are going to have to find ways to make it very difficult for them but we are looking forward to the game.”
On his side’s win at Manchester United, Howe said: “It was great to be able to give everyone an opportunity and I thought they responded magnificently.
“It was a brilliant team effort. I thought the spirit, determination and collective mindset was at the highest level.
“We are in a good place mentally after the win. The whole squad will be lifted by that performance.”
Arsenal, unbeaten in the Premier League, are second in the standings with 24 points from 10 matches, seven points and four spots ahead of Newcastle United.
